Handmade Apothecary Intensive
April 17-19, 2026. Three days on Florida's stunning 30-A. Learn to read the research, formulate with precision, and build remedies that actually work.
Most herbalism education asks you to take claims on faith. This one hands you the tools to evaluate them yourself.
Join the author of The Evidence Based Handmade Apothecary (releasing May 15, 2026) for an intensive weekend of skill-building where you'll learn to navigate scientific literature and translate research into effective formulations. You'll leave not just with products, but with a methodology you can apply for the rest of your life.
The Approach
1
Study the Science
Before we make anything, we examine the research. You'll learn to read studies critically, understand what constitutes meaningful evidence, and spot the gaps between marketing claims and actual data.
2
Master the Technique
Each formulation teaches transferable skills—extraction methods, concentration calculations, carrier selection. These aren't recipes to follow blindly; they're frameworks you'll adapt and apply independently.
3
Expand Your Toolkit
Leave with more than products. Leave with a systematic approach to evaluating ingredients, designing formulations, and making informed decisions about what belongs in your apothecary, and what doesn't.
Immersion Investment
Multi-Occupancy: $1,850 per person
paid in two installments of $925
Single Occupancy Surcharge: + $350
available as an add-on after registration; while supplies last
April 17-19
A complete education in evidence-based botanical formulation
FRIDAY
We dive right in with an overview to the framework used in the book and introduction to evidence evaluation. Sessions include: Foundations of Formulation (oil infusion techniques, working with waxes, preservation science, carrier selection principles) and Wound Care & Tissue Repair (research on vulnerary botanicals, antimicrobial formulation, building a first aid protocol). You'll also enjoy some free time by the beach or pool, and review and discussion over dinner.
SATURDAY
On Saturday, we start with module 3: Respiratory & Immune Support (evaluating immune claims, what the research actually shows, formulating for seasonal wellness), followed by Digestive & Anti-Inflammatory (bioavailability in internal preparations, working with culinary delivery systems). After lunch and some free time, we finish with Cosmeceutical Science (skin barrier function, evidence for anti-aging claims, formulating for efficacy not marketing).
SUNDAY
Sunday's modules include Targeted Repair & Regeneration (Scar tissue, stretch marks, cellular turnover—separating hype from evidence), Nervous System & Cognitive Support (adaptogens under scrutiny, aromatherapy evidence, formulating for stress and focus), and Building Your Toolkit (creating your own protocols, documentation systems, continued learning resources).
What You'll Build
Twelve formulations that reinforce the techniques and principles you're learning
Medicinal
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Antimicrobial Salve
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Chest ointment for congestion
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Elderberry syrup
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Ginger chews
Skin & Body
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Clarifying body scrub
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Nourishing body butter
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Anti-aging salve
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Regenerative rollerball
Wellness
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Calming rollerball for sleep
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Energizing rollerball for focus
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Cognition support rollerball
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Ear care oil
Each formulation is chosen to teach specific techniques you'll apply across your practice—not as an end in itself, but as a vehicle for mastering the underlying skills.
Everything Included
STAY
2 nights in a private 30-A beach house
Shared rooms (2-4 guests per room)
All common spaces and outdoor areas
Beach access
EAT
2 breakfasts
3 lunches
2 dinners
Coffee, tea, snacks throughout
Refreshments during sessions
LEARN
8 intensive learning modules
Direct instruction from the author
Research interpretation training
Formulation methodology framework
Open Q&A and discussion throughout
TAKE HOME
Signed pre-release copy of the book
12+ finished products in labeled containers
NRI Luxury Swag Bag
Welcome kit
Meet Dr Cavanaugh
Founder & President, Nutraceuticals Research Institute
Dr. Jessie Cavanaugh has shaped how the natural products industry conducts clinical research. As founder of Nutraceuticals Research Institute, she has designed and led FDA-authorized clinical trials for major dietary supplement and essential oil companies around the world, generating evidence that supports product claims, informs regulatory decisions, and advances the credibility of integrative medicine.
Her research has directly influenced clinical practice. When concerns arose about essential oil safety in children, Dr. Cavanaugh designed the first epidemiological study to definitively test the hypothesis—work now cited in clinical guidelines worldwide.
She holds a post-doctoral certificate from Harvard Medical School, advanced epidemiology training from the University of London, and a PhD in Health Research. Before NRI, she built Franklin School of Integrative Health Sciences from the ground up—the first integrative health institution in the region to achieve full state authorization.
Dr. Cavanaugh created The Evidence Based Handmade Apothecary book and immersion weekend because the best learning happens with hands on experiences. She has been teaching natural wellness for over 20 years, and she remains personally involved in every session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What background do I need? None specifically. You should be comfortable learning new concepts and engaging with unfamiliar material, but we don't assume prior science education or herbalism experience. Beginners with intellectual curiosity and experienced practitioners looking to deepen their evidence base both do well here.
How is this different from other herbalism workshops? Most workshops teach you to make specific products. We teach you methodology: how to evaluate research, design formulations, and make informed decisions independently. The products you make are vehicles for learning techniques, not the end goal.
How much hands-on making vs. instruction? Each module combines both. We typically start with the research and principles (30-40 minutes), then move into hands-on application (60-90 minutes). You're never just listening or just making; the two reinforce each other.
What should I bring? Just yourself. All ingredients, equipment, containers, and materials are provided. We'll send a packing list for personal items two weeks before. Bring comfortable clothes and something for the beach.
How do room assignments work? Rooms are shared (2-4 guests). You can request to room with a friend, or we'll match you thoughtfully. A limited number of private room upgrades are available first come, first served.
What's the cancellation policy? 60+ days out: full refund minus $500 deposit. 30-59 days: 50% refund. Under 30 days: no refund, but your spot is fully transferable to someone else.
Will I be able to recreate these formulations at home? Yes! The book includes all formulations with detailed instructions, and your notes from the weekend will include your specific variations and observations. More importantly, you'll have the skills to design new formulations yourself.